Sqn Ldr Kottukonam Neelakantan Gopakumaran Nair is on the posted strength of one of the helicopter units with effect from 22 Aug 1988. Sqn Ldr Kottukonam Neelakantan Gopakumaran Nair is a veteran pilot with over 4200 flying hours to his credit. He had undertaken over 750 missions in OP PAWAN including 45 missions by night. All these missions were flown over an extremely hostile and unfamiliar terrain under constant exposure to enemy ground fire. The very fact that Sqn Ldr Kottukonam Neelakantan Gopakumaran Nair undeterred, undertook 14 casualty evacuation missions by night in the thick of enemy fire and in adverse weather conditions, speaks volumes of his devotion to the service and the display of his courage. For his high standard of professional skill, dedication to duty and to the service and the display of courage in the face of the enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Kottukonam Neelakantan Gopakumaran Nair. |